Insurance works on the generally simple idea that the risks of many can cover the mishaps of a few. So, instead of everyone paying out of their own pocket every time something goes wrong, everyone clubs together, spreads the risk and pays a fraction of what they would otherwise have to.

The principles of pet insurance are the same. You pay your premium and hope that your pet stays healthy for the rest of its life. However, if your pet should unexpectedly fall ill, have an accident or even swallow something it shouldn't, your insurance company will pay to put it right out of the collective money pot.

Although pet insurance provides cover against life's unexpected emergencies, it won't cover you for routine or preventative treatment such as worming tablets or regular injections. This is no different from any other form of insurance though. For example, you can't claim for your car's regular service on your motor insurance, although you can claim for repairs if you have an accident.